One-Pot Ham Lentil Stew (Printable version)

Smoky ham and lentils meld with onions and spices in a cozy one-pot simmer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meats

01 - 9 oz cooked ham, diced

→ Legumes

02 - 1¼ cups dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 medium onions, finely chopped
04 - 2 medium carrots, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 bay leaf
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Finishing

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
13 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add the diced ham and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 - Add the lentils, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, stock, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils are tender and the flavors meld.
06 - Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
07 - Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One pot means you spend more time eating and less time cleaning up—a kitchen win on any evening.
  • The ham brings a natural smokiness that transforms simple lentils into something restaurant-quality without any fuss.
  • It gets better as it sits, so leftovers taste like you planned this genius dinner from the start.
02 -
  • Rinse your lentils before they go into the pot—this simple step prevents them from becoming murky and keeps the broth clear and inviting.
  • Don't skip the sauté step with the vegetables, because those 6 to 8 minutes of softening time create a sweetness that raw vegetables never achieve.
03 -
  • Use good quality ham with real smoke flavor—it's the difference between a nice stew and one that people actually crave.
  • If your lentils are older, they might take slightly longer to soften, so start checking at the 30-minute mark rather than trusting the timer completely.
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